News
No remains found: Excavation ends at suspected mass grave
View(s):By S Rubatheesan
Since no human remains or artefacts were recovered during the three days of excavations at a specific spot in the suspected mass grave site in Kurukkalmadam, Batticaloa, the pit was closed on Friday, according to the Office of Missing Persons (OMP).
The excavation activities began on Tuesday (March 30) under the supervision of the Kaluwanchikudy Magistrate D. Pradeepan.
This is the first time a suspected mass grave site is being excavated following a complaint lodged by a civilian with the involvement of OMP.
“The sandy soil and the presence of water made it technically difficult to excavate, but using archaeological excavation techniques, the location was investigated,” the OMP, which was monitoring the activities, said.
The technical team comprised Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) with expertise in forensic anthropology, appointed by the Chief Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo, alongside officials from the Department of Archaeology and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO). The team is supported by police.
OMP officials were present during the excavation. Lawyers representing the complainants were also present. On the first day of excavations, over 50 family members of missing persons who believed their loved ones may be buried at the site were also present, and families continued to visit the site over the following days.
The excavations were initiated following an order issued on August 25 last year by former Magistrate J B.A. Ranjithkumar, pursuant to Article 12(d) of the Office on Missing Persons (Establishment, Administration and Discharge of Functions) Act, No. 14 of 2016.
This provision empowers the OMP to apply to a magistrate’s court for authorisation to initiate excavations and exhumations at a suspected grave site. The investigation team drew up a budget for seven days of excavation, which was submitted to the court, and the required funds were made available by the Justice Ministry.
The Kurukkalmadam site was identified based on a complaint received in 2014. Specific locations within the site were subsequently indicated by a witness, and in 2015, the court facilitated ground-penetrating radar examinations of these spots. The excavations were based on these findings. Investigations will continue to identify potential locations at the site, the OMP said.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!